Colleen E. Wilson, who served as chief of police in Sumner for nearly five years, will become chief of the 130-person Port of Seattle police department in August.

Former city of SeaTac Police Chief Scott Somers was a finalist for the job. He is currently chief of special operations for the King County Sheriff's Office, in charge of units handling hostage negotiations, SWAT, marine patrol and search and rescue.

Wilson replaces Tim Kimsey, who retired May 31 after nearly 30 years in the department. He served as chief during a controversy where many officers were accused of sending and receiving racist and pornographic e-mails.

SeaTac Councilman Tony Anderson, who is also a Port lieutenant, was accused of not adequately supervising officers under his command in that controversy.

Gale Evans, who has been acting chief, will remain as deputy chief.

"Colleen Wilson is exactly the right leader to make our police department one of the best in the country," said Port CEO Tay Yoshitani.

"She is an experienced chief, has received the respect and recognition of her peers in law enforcement, and has the mix of skills and experiences that are essential for this important job."

Before moving to the Sumner force in 2002, Wilson, 56, was responsible for officer certification on the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Before that, she was chief of police in Monroe. She began her career as an assistant city clerk in Monroe and rose through the ranks as a police officer, sergeant and lieutenant before being named chief in 1993.

Wilson has been a vice president of the state's Association of Sheriff's and Police Chiefs and was the first female chief of police in Washington state.